2016 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 2,452 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 39 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 59 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Campaign 25V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Campaign 20V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsNov 29, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
Campaign 17V767000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerJun 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
Campaign 16V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
Campaign 16V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingSep 28, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Campaign 15V605000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeJul 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Campaign 15V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
2,452 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 23, 2023
While driving on Freeway 10 on June 23, 2023 around the Palm Springs area the passenger windshield side panel flew off. There were considerable wind gusts while driving at average traffic speed around 70 mph. The driver windshield side panel flew off on June 2020 on the same freeway also during wind gusts. I fixed the driver side panel by ordering a replacement part and used additional epoxy reinforcement which proved more effective than just original affixing as the part still remains affixed in place.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2023
The windshield trim panel on passenger side suddenly flew off while I was driving on the highway. Apparently this is a focus of investigation already (Investigation: PE 23-001).
Structure, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side pillar covers detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) and stated that the pillar covers were not a part of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, fluid was discovered dripping from the subframe. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that engine coolant had leaked from the vehicle due to a faulty water pump. The contact was advised that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2023
My Ford Explorer 2016 windshield outer trim fell off while driving causing major danger on the highway.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 16, 2023
Driver A pillar molding flew off and hit the driver's mirror and driver's side window doing 70 mph. Amost resulting in a accident.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2023
While driving at highway speed, about 70 mph, passenger side window pillar trim separated and flew off of a 2016 Ford Explorer Limited. Do not know if part hit other vehicles. Vehicle has approx 78,000 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and then attempting to park the vehicle, the high engine temperature message was displayed. The contact parked the vehicle, and her husband inspected the vehicle and became aware that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was due to the water pump not operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Structure, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact also became aware that the front driver’s side windshield trim was loosened and almost detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter into park(P), the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). An independent mechanic flipped an unknown switch, and the contact was able to drive her vehicle to her residence; however, when the contact attempted to shift the transmission into park(P), the transmission would only shift into reverse(R). The contact's son flipped the switch, and the contact was able to shift the transmission into park(P). Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
The gear will not go into Park. I put the gear in Park and the car started to roll. I looked at the dashboard and it said it was in Reverse. With the car in the Reverse position, it will not start.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was later informed that the water pump was defective, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.
Structure, Jun 8, 2023
The drivers side trim piece that runs vertically on the edge of the windshield and holds the rubber gasket in place came loose at the top and allowed the rubber gasket to flap around and hit the window, trim, and windshield. I was on the highway for a relatively short distance so it didn't come off completely. If it had flown off the car it could have caused an accident or hit someone else's vehicle causing damage. I am assuming there is some type of clip or screw? that has come off allowing the trim piece to come loose at the top. I have notified the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. They have not responded yet. I have not contacted anyone else about the incident.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 7, 2023
The window trim/window pillars keep flying off on the interstate/highway!!! I’ve replaced them multiple times and yet continue to fly off !!!! PLEASE RECALL AND REPLACE THESE ON THE EXPLORERS ITS SAD !!!!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2023
We were driving on the freeway and out of nowhere, the trim next to the windshield completely flew off on the passenger side of the car and then the driver side trim broke in half.
Structure, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim on the passenger’s and driver's side detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.
Air bags, Jun 5, 2023
Air bag warning light illuminated with diagnostic trouble code B141B and/or B141C as listed in Ford TSB 15-0113. Independent service center identified the problem and confirmed that the circuit / wires had been severed and the airbag would not have deployed. The independent service center let me know that our safety was at risk and that we should definitely have the repair completed prior to putting the vehicle back on the road. They also are the ones that made us aware of the Ford technical service bulletin and that the problem had never been made into a company recall. The component has not been inspected by Ford, however the independent service center followed Fords recommendation for repair. I have been working with the Ford Corporation who told me that the service center would reimburse me for the repair. However, the Ford service center said that the repair was done outside the dates of the released Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 21B11. In addition they notified me that my vehicle was outside the "build-date" that was covered under the CSP. However, it is obvious through research that the problem still exists. The CSP was in effect from January 21, 2021 to January 21, 2023 . The repair we had done by the independent service center was performed on January 30, 2023. This only days after the program ended. I explained to the Ford service center that this was an ongoing problem even in some newer models of Ford vehicles. It is documented all over the internet that this problem has persisted since 2015 and Ford has still not made it into an official recall. In addition, I told them an emergency repair is defined as when a vehicle needs a repair to ensure no one gets injured during use of the vehicle, and an emergency part is defined as a component or part that is essential to ensure no one gets injured during the use of the vehicle. They still refused to reimburse me for the repair. Ford corporation recommended I file this complaint.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2023
The windshield cowl is separated from the body of the car and could break apart and hit a car
Steering, Jun 4, 2023
Steering freezes or goes stiff through turns as if power steering is failing. Grinding noise while turning wheel at lower speeds. Online research points to rack and pinion failure. Steering issue has gotten progressively worse over months. Started as a slight hesitation while going through turns at a reduced speed but has progressed to more frequent steering issues at all speeds.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2023
My check engine light keeps reading a evap code. I have replaced the evap throttle 3x’s. My car smells of a gas leak coming from somewhere. I have taken it to Ford, and to two other mechanics. They claim that the check engine code is wrong and they cannot find where the fuel smell is coming from without the proper code. My check engine light turns on and off with the same error everytime. The evap code is not the problem. I have made a complaint months ago, and still nothing. Not sure what else I can do.
Steering, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist warning light illuminated. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that this was a common failure with the year, make, and model vehicle. The dealer was able to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Structure, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound near the windshield. The contact then stated that the windshield trim panel detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, May 29, 2023
Steering wheel started to make noises and becoming stiff when turning left or right. No warning or indicator lights are showing. Next day Steering wheel was locked & wouldn't move. Ford dealership serviced the vehicle & said it was the lower steering shaft. I paid to have it fixed. Then the dealership said the steering rack needs replaced & there was no way of knowing it until the lower steering shaft was replaced. The steering rack was recalled on other 2016 Ford Explorers & I don't understand why it wasn't recalled on mine since it's having the same symptoms. Ford said I'll know when to replace it because the power steering will go out. There's no way this car is safe to drive. Let alone to be advised to drive it until the power steering goes out.
Structure, May 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the windshield rubber gasket was flapping while driving, and the contact removed the rubber gasket from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield trim clips had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Structure, May 23, 2023
Window trim pieces detached while driving on the highway, hitting window hard and then flying back into traffic. This is the 2nd piece of trim that has detached while on the highway. First piece was on further back on side.